The Analyst: A Daughter's Memoir

Milton Wexler was a prominent psychoanalyst in America during the golden age who championed creativity and struggle, advocating for research on Huntingtons disease and group therapy with artists. His daughter, Alice Wexler, has written an intimate and searching portrait of him, exploring how his life and work reveal the broader reaches of Freudian ideas in the United States. The book offers glimpses into the lives of cultural icons such as Lillian Hellman, Eppie Lederer, and Frank Gehry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Milton Wexler, a prominent figure in the golden age of psychoanalysis in America, stood out as one of the most unconventional, captivating, and sometimes controversial personalities. His journey spanned across the country and the century, encompassing various pursuits and interests. From his education at Teachers College at Columbia University to his work at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka and his involvement in the art world of Hollywood, Wexler's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to exploring the depths of human psychology.

While psychologists and psychoanalysts of his time often emphasized the importance of adapting to society, Wexler championed the power of creativity and struggle. He believed that these forces were essential for personal growth and the evolution of society. Throughout his career, Wexler pursued a wide range of endeavors, from treating schizophrenia to conducting group therapy with artists and advocating for research on Huntington's disease.

Alice Wexler, Milton Wexler's daughter, has written an insightful and personal account of her father's life in her book, The Analyst. Through her meticulous research and analysis, Wexler sheds light on her father's private life, exploring the profound impact of his experiences on his work. She draws on a wealth of unpublished family and professional correspondence, manuscripts, and personal recollections to create a vivid portrait of Wexler's life and ideas.

The Analyst not only offers a captivating account of Wexler's life but also provides a deep meditation on the complex relationship between a daughter and her father. Wexler's life and work, as revealed by Alice Wexler, shed light on the broader reaches of Freudian ideas in the United States. His friendships with cultural icons such as Lillian Hellman, Eppie Lederer (Ann Landers), and Frank Gehry offer glimpses into the lives and minds of these influential figures.

The book is a testament to the arc of an iconoclast's life, as well as a daughter's moving tribute to her father. It provides a new window onto the world of psychoanalysis and science in the twentieth century, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of this field. Milton Wexler's legacy continues to inspire and influence psychologists, psychoanalysts, and individuals seeking to understand the human mind and society.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 251 x 441 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231202787